The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced a series of proactive planned maintenance and upgrades to the water supply infrastructure. These efforts aim to ensure the future continuity of water supply and address the issue of unaccounted-for water.
Scheduled Maintenance Work
From 18 to 22 September 2023, planned maintenance work will take place across various regions of Cape Town. The work will involve pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements in areas including Macassar, Kramat, Sandvlei, Knole Park, Ottery, Welgedacht, parts of Elfindale, northern parts of the city, and Gordon’s Bay.
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to take note of the scheduled work and make necessary preparations to minimize inconvenience. Timings and specifics for each area’s water supply disruption are available in the source text. Water tankers will be provided where required for domestic consumption, and residents are encouraged to store water in clean, sealed containers in advance.
Zero-Pressure Tests and Conditional Assessments
Step-testing on the water supply network will be conducted in areas such as Athlone, Belthorn Estate, Crawford, Belgravia, Penlyn Estate, Rylands, Hazendal, and Mount View. The testing will take place from 21:00 on Thursday, 21 September 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Friday, 22 September 2023.
The zero-pressure and step-testing will map the water supply into the area and divide it up into smaller zones. These tests form part of the installation process for pressure management technology.
Residents in these areas may experience low water pressure or temporary disruption of water supply. This testing period will determine if any unmapped inflows need consideration before installing smart pressure-reducing valves.
Pressure Management Installations and Operations
Conditional testing focuses on ensuring that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network are operating effectively. It manages the pressures at determined settings to preserve the pipeline’s lifespan and reduce water wastage resulting from pipe bursts.
While pressure fluctuations may be experienced, efforts will be made to minimize effects on residents. This testing approach aligns with the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy and contributes to sustainable water use.
Preparing for Planned Water Supply Disruptions
The City advises residents to prepare for planned water supply disruptions by storing enough water in advance and keeping their taps closed. This approach will prevent damage when the water supply is restored.
Residents should also note that water may appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. As the air dissipates, the water will return to its normal appearance.
Stay Informed
For updates on maintenance work and the location of water tankers, residents can follow the City of Cape Town’s Twitter account (@CityofCTAlerts). The City apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these essential maintenance and upgrade efforts.
